Category Archives: children

$11 Billion in Unpaid Child Support in Texas

Child Support in TexasState officials have reported that unpaid child support in Texas has reached nearly $11 billion dollars and that nearly half of the 1 million Texans required to pay child support have fallen behind.

According to the Texas attorney general’s office, 46% of parents obligated to pay child support in Dallas County are behind. Authorities are saying that the blows to the economy and the high jobless rates are taking a toll on those who pay child support. While that is understanding given the though economic climate, many others simply defy orders to pay up.
As such, it has been reported that more and more parents are applying for child support enforcement and modification services in Dallas County.

When a parent ordered to pay child support refuses, typically the government collects by garnishing wages, withholding tax refunds and lottery winnings, and suspending professional licenses.

Divorce Survey

Phoenix family lawyer, Steven N. Cole has put together a survey for people who may be considering getting a divorce.  Click here to take the survey.  It’s only a few questions and is intended to collect data about those who are thinking about divorce and why.  Feel free to contact Mr. Cole if you have any further questions.  He has significant experience help individuals and families in the sometimes dark and tumultuous times that can come along with certain family law issues.
Steven N. Cole, LLC
2140 E Thomas Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(480) 333-5588

 

 

Governor Brown vetoes California Bill that would allow more than two legal parents

Senate Bill 1476 proposed by State Senator Mark Leno would have allowed a child to have more than two legal parents if “required in the best interests of the child.” It would award a previous custodial or biological parent legal parental rights to care for the child if the two legal parents become incapable.

California Governor Jerry Brown assured in his veto announcement on Sunday that he appreciates the intent of the bill and expressed his concern about the well-being of any child that the bill would affect, however he is “troubled by the fact that some family law specialists believe the bill’s ambiguities may have unintended consequences.”

Senator Leno explained that the bill would not change the definition of a parent in California. A parent would remain a biological mother or father, adoptive or legal foster parent, legal guardian, stepparent and grandparent. The bill would only eliminate the current limit of two parents per child.

The bill was created to satisfy 21st century lifestyles and families that are not necessarily “nuclear.” The bill could potentially benefit same-sex marriages or parents, surrogates, in-vitro fertilization, domestic partnerships, stepparents and other technological and societal changes that create new possibilities and nontraditional households.

The basis of the bill, which is co-sponsored by the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the University of San Diego School of Law Children’s Advocacy Institute, is a May 2011 case in which the biological parent of the child of a same-sex lesbian couple sought custody when the couple was no longer able to care for their child. He was not granted custody, and the child was going to have to go into foster care until the grandparents were eventually awarded custody.

Opponents of the bill argued that it would lead to an increase in court cases in an already overcrowded court system, and harm traditional parental roles that could allow children to have a limitless number of parents. They also called attention to the fact that the bill does not consider problems with tax deductions, social security, inheritance and probate, wrongful death and education benefits. A major financial issue that the bill would cause the state to face is that of determining child support. This process would cost an estimated $6.4 million according to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Similar laws in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maine, Louisiana and Pennsylvania have taken off successfully, however Governor Brown urges proponents to go back and work on the bill to prevent unintended consequences before California can be included in the list.

Unusual Surrogate

Strange as it sounds, 49 year old Linda Sirois recently gave birth to a beautiful, healthy…

Grandson? 

When 25 year old Angel Hebert’s heart condition stopped her from being able to carry a child safely,  Her mother graciously gave her daughter the best gift of all. She acted as her daughter’s surrogate.

With no complications throughout the entire in-vitro fertilization pregnancy, Sirois, the mother of 4 said it was the easiest pregnancy she has ever had. Sirois said “It was an awesome, awesome experience.” She felt so much support from family, friends, and her community.

 Madden Hebert, was born on August 13th at a healthy 7 pounds, 14 ounces.
Though Linda is not the only grandmother to ever “babysit for 9 months” the amazing gift is definitely appreciated by her daughter and son-in-law.
What do you think of this story? Would you let your Mother carry your child?